SAI Programs

Program Reviews

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Caroline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best two months of my life!!

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What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment was when I first arrived in Rome. Rome is a huge city and the airport was so big. I instantly felt at ease when an SAI staff member greeted me outside of the terminal and led me to where I ended up meeting the most amazing people who would change my life forever!
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Anneliese
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

SAI BARCELONA = BEST EXPERIENCE EVER

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What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
human castles on UPF Campus - a Catalan tradition!
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sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A once in a lifetime opportunity

My experience in Barcelona with SAI was one I would not trade for the world. SAI acted as a second family to me and helped make the somewhat scary transition from the US to Europe feel natural. They were there every step of the way when I was sick, confused, lost; they were always there to hold my hand and help me no matter the time of day. I recommend this program to anyone studying abroad because I never thought I would have such a positive experience, and I wouldn't change it for the world! SAI also helped me meet tons of students from around the globe with their opportunities to travel in groups and nightly activities such as my favorite- cooking class!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment I have had abroad was when I visited the Swiss Alps and skii'd for the very first time!
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Lexi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Falling In Love with Sunny Sorrento

In Sorrento, it's always sunny. You can see the beautiful ocean everywhere you look and it is so calming. There is the perfect balance of city and nature. Sorrento felt homey and I loved that the university was right above the marina. I lived in the dorms and I did not want to leave. The rooms were spacious and cleaned once a week. My favorite part was our balcony overlooking the garden. I loved sitting out there and reading a book or journaling after class. The views from the dorms are amazing. Watching the sunsets from the rooftop balcony will forever be some of my favorite memories. I made lifelong friends from all over the U.S. and got to travel all through Europe. I learned that I could get out of my comfort zone and move to a different country, where I knew absolutely nobody and have the best time of my life. I miss Italy every day and I will have these amazing memories forever. I didn't have a lot of time to miss home because I was always doing something fun and I was shocked by how easy it was to make friends.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Sorrento is the most festive town when it comes to holidays. When I arrived in January, there was a huge Christmas tree lit up in the middle of the town square and Christmas lights were strung all through the town. It stayed like that into February and then they went all out for Valentine's Day.
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Bella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Loved every minute!

I loved studying abroad with SAI! They always had staff available to help in whatever you needed and understood how overwhelming studying abroad can be. SAI planned awesome trips and immersion activities that made me feel like Florence was my home. The three day trip we took was to Commachio, Padova, and Ravena, three places I would never have normally gone but it ended up being a great trip that allowed me to see smaller cities in Europe, unlike some of the other programs which just take you to Rome or Venice (places you would easily go yourself).

What would you improve about this program?
I would love it if they included the meal plan like some of the other providers did
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Theresa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Rome Sweet Rome

I studied abroad for an entire semester in Rome through SAI and it was undoubtedly the best experience I've had in my life. I ate some incredible food, witnessed incredible places, met and connected with people who have changed my life, and learned much about myself. It was a semester of self-exploration and global-exploration! I have come back to the States as a culturally competent and well-rounded person who is able to adapt to situations. I became close friends with Alessandra and Jordan, the coordinators from SAI, and I truly enjoyed their company and learning from them. During my time abroad, I pursued the Global Leadership Certificate SAI offers which has supplemented my resume.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I wish I learned the language more before I traveled to my host country! For me, I find joy in adapting to new cultures and connecting with others of different personalities and backgrounds. With that being said, I recommend learning the basics of the language of whatever country you are studying in/traveling to! Saying basic phrases such as “hello,” “how are you,” and “thank you,” in the local language allows you to dip your toes in the country’s culture and is often appreciated by the locals and workers. As a tourist and visitor, rather than trying to expect the locals to accommodate to you by speaking English, I encourage you to respect their culture and make an effort to interact with people such as waiters, cashiers, and taxi drivers in the local language!
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Arianna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Experience I'll Never Forget

I learned a lot about myself as a person, which I was not expecting because I thought I was pretty in touch with who I was. I also feel like I gained a lot of cultural capital as well because I've visited, seen, and learned about all these amazing things, like art and culture, that I had only ever dreamed of. Traveling while I was abroad was one of the biggest highlights and something that I would recommend for all study abroad students. It gives you he chance to see things that you had only ever hoped of seeing and doing. But don't forget to get to know your own host country, especially Italy where there so much to do and see just in the country. Because the professor and school were understanding that study abroad students were there to do more than just school, the workload was lighter, giving everyone the opportunity to be pursue and do things beyond school, like traveling. I can't advocate for study abroad enough, especially SAI who made the experience even better by being such a resource in a new place where I didn't know a lot of things.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I planned a trip with my friends to Prague for our last weekend before finals. However, once I got there, I realized I forgot my passport at my apartment and ended not being able to go to Prague. Long story short, always double check you have your passport when traveling!
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Alayna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best semester of my life!

I loved studying abroad in Barcelona with SAI. I was able to travel every weekend and learned about the local culture of Barcelona through the help of my SAI program advisors. I made great friends who live around the US and around the world that I am able to keep in contact with to this day. Studying abroad gave me the confidence and independence I needed to improve myself. Money is always difficult to manage but it is manageable if you plan out how you want to spend your money. SAI helped me explore the local culture and go out of my comfort zone to immerse myself and really get the lay of the land. By the end of the program I felt extremely confident in my ability to travel around the world. I would go back again tomorrow if I could! Loved SAI

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would bring more clothes for cooler weather! Other than that I wouldn't change anything.
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Abbey
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Paris Experience

I had a very memorable and enjoyable experience abroad, studying abroad was something I've wanted to do my whole life so it was very fulfilling to me. I was able to form friendships and explore Europe just as I had hoped. Being this far away from home for so long was understandably nerve wracking at first, but it is an experience I would not trade. Due to living in Paris, there was always something to do, it was particularly helpful having the SAI newsletter that was informative on events and holidays to take part it. My school also had several events throughout the year for its students, this is a good way for international students to meet people. Overall, I had a great study abroad experience, and it allowed me to gained a sense of independence.

What would you improve about this program?
More assistance regarding obtaining a visa prior to departure
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Erica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Semester in Barcelona

I had the most amazing semester studying in Barcelona, Spain. The SAI program I did organized many activities and trips for the students in my program. We did a cooking class, many dinners, trips to Monseratt, Girona, Sevilla, and many more. When I wasn't doing things with the SAI program I was traveling on the weekends with other students in my program. I loved living in walking distance from so many amazing restaurants and ancient cathedrals. Getting to use the metro for transportation was very convenient and saved me a lot of money from taxis. The metro made exploring the city a breeze whether it was exploring the mountains or the beach; the city of Barcelona has so much to offer. Overall, I would not change anything about my semester abroad and recommend everyone study abroad.

What would you improve about this program?
having most activities on the weekdays instead of some on the weekends so people traveling could still attend